Morocco Culture & Photography Tour

This journey is private and designed to give the traveler the broadest sense of Morocco, its culture, people, geography, imperial cities, Sahara, the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs, High Atlas Mountains, and the charming city of Essaouira. Camel Riding, Craft Tours, Cultural Tours, Historical Tours, and photography.

13 Nights / 14 Days TourFor independent travelers: Our Guided Tour enhances your experience without hindering your journey. We’re there when you need us, and give you the opportunity to explore on your own if you desire.

Cost based on 4* accommodation:
US$3,150 per person based on double occupancy
US$6,300 for 2PaxIf you wish to upgrade or downgrade the accommodation, please let us know.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Casablanca

Upon arriving in Casablanca, a guide will greet you to begin your tour.

The white-washed city of Casablanca has long brought to mind the romance of the famous movie. Today, Casablanca beats as the economic heart of the country. Explore the lovely architecture and sites that lend a distinctly European feel.

Dinner and overnight at your charming hotel in Casablanca city center.

A vibrant city with lush green parks, Rabat is entered through the enormous Almoahad Gate to the Kasbah des Oudaias, situated on a bluff overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean. Rabat offers a rich historical and cultural heritage. Tour the exquisite 17th century palace now part of the Musée des Oudaia (Museum of Moroccan Arts), the Andalusian Gardens near the famous Tour Hassan, a 12th century minaret intended to be the highest and the largest in the Muslim world. Or view the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and King Hassan’s regal palace.

Enjoy dinner and overnight at your charming riad at the ancient city of Rabat.

After an early breakfast, it’s on to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubulis, sprawled amid a wildflower-dotted hillside, where the remains of palaces, baths, soaring arches and magnificent mosaics await exploration. Then, travel through lush rolling hills studded with the fertile plains of ancient olive groves and vineyards await you in the Ismalian capital of Meknes. Meknes is on Unesco’s world heritage list. After a pleasant lunch at the holy city of Moulay Idriss, explore the port of Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis.

You will continue touring Meknes and then head off to Fes, the white washed city known as the cultural and intellectual capital of Morocco. Exploring the historical ramparts, the regal King’s Palace, and Jewish Quarter, among many other sites.

Dinner will be served at restaurant Zagora. B&B at your charming riad in Fez.

After breakfast you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the Kings Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. For lunch you will eat in traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch you will complete the tour, and in the evening you will meet up with your host families.

Dinner will be served at your charming restaurant Maison Bleue. B&B at your charming riad in Fez.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Ifrane – Azrou – Errachidia – Erfoud

After an early breakfast, begin your travel across the Middle Atlas Mountains where you’ll discover verdant forests and rugged rock formations, and vibrant Berber villages with terraced farms. Descending down the mountains en route to the Sahara Desert, you’ll stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. On arrival at the Kasbah Tizimi in Erfoud, enjoy a steaming shower or cool dip in the swimming pool.

Dinner and overnight at your charming hotel in Erfoud.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7: Sahara Desert / Camel ride & overnight in the desert

After breakfast, explore Rissani, the ruins of Sijilmassa and visit a ksar (fortified village). In the afternoon, a Jeep will transport you to the sugarfine sands of the Sahara. Climb aboard your camel for a 2-hour trek out to the oasis where you will spend the night in Berber tents with a private bathroom.

After breakfast, you will return by camel to the Jeeps for the trip back to Erfoud where you will travel behind the High Atlas Mountains to Oaurazazate. Upon arrival at the DadesGorges, explore the exquisite scenery and meet the nomadic Berbers.

From Dades, you’ll travel to Ouarzazate, known as the “Land of 1000 Kasbahs” and film site for many Hollywood movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and The Gladiator. Visit a kasbah, and spend the night in accommodations overlooking the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and enjoy life off the beaten path.

After touring Tinghir, travel as the nomads did along the rugged Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, which lies along fertile river valleys and palmeries. The spectacular, exotic beauty of the region has long been a draw for Hollywood filmmakers.

Following that, you’ll stop in the Rose valley of Kalat Megouna, and then its onward to Kasbah ait Ben Haddou for a local lunch. A private tour of the Kasbah follows. You’ll continue on through the High Atlas Mountains, past the rich rolling hills and valleys and mountains of Tizi n’Tichka’s. You’ll stop at a Berber village on your way to Ourika. Along the way, you’ll pass fragrant pine and cedar forests filled with chatty Barbary apes as you head toward the Berber village of Anrar.

Dinner and an overnight stay at your charming Kasbah Omar riad.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10: Ourika Valley / High Atlas Mountains

After breakfast, enjoy a private visit at a Berber family home, where you’ll experience the ritual pouring of mint tea. And then it’s on to the lovely garden of the valley near the soukLathinie.

You will make a visit to one of the Jewish shrine of the high atlas mountains, and you will meet with the last Berber at the Ourika valley.

Discover the hidden Berber villages of the valley or hike through the wildflower dotted hillside to one of the waterfalls of the High Atlas.

Dinner and an overnight stay at your luxury Berber Kasbah Omar in the village of Anrar.

A traditional Moroccan Hammam (steam bath) and massage are available at the Kasbah Omar for extra cost. (Please let us know in advance if you would like to make an appointment.)

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11: Essaouira

You will set off to the coastal city of Essaouira, which sparkles in white against the brilliant turquiose sea in the former 18th century Portuguese settlement and current fishing village. Cannons sit on ramparts pointed toward the sea to stop maurauding pirates of the past. Camels stand at the ready for passengers to ride across the sands. Artisan shops, boutiques and art galleries fill the squares and the aroma of restaurants fills the air. Stop in a café for a French pastry and mint tea. Long a draw for music legends including Jimmy Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, Essaouira continues to lure artists and musicians alike today.

After breakfast, you will return to Marrakech and will have a guided tour of the Pink City of Marrakech. Discover the regal Palace of the Bahia and its nesting storks, the SaadianTombs, and many other hidden treasures. After lunch, discover you the city’s largest mosque, the Koutoubia Mosque and spend time at the famous Djemaa el-Fna, where snake charmers, storytellers and magicians abound. Explore the serpentine souk, lined with stalls of crafts, carpets, fresh fruit, and many other artisan goods.

Dinner at Jamaa Elfna Square with the locals on first night. Dinner at a traditional palace restaurant at the ancient city on 2nd night.

Day 14: Transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca Airport for your return home with plenty of teals of Arabian nights and days.

Note:
– If you wish to modify the itinerary according to specific dates, interests or city of arrival or departure, please advise us.– Pick up from any airport, port or train station in Morocco is available.
– This tour can be extended or modified to end wherever the guest may wish.

Cost based on 4* accommodation:
US$3,150 per person based on double occupancy
US$6,300 for 2PaxIf you wish to upgrade or downgrade the accommodation, please let us know.

2 years and under are free of charge
2 – 6 years old 75% off
7 – 11 years old 50% off
12 years old & up full cost